NC’s largest public school system rejects law repealing tenure (video)

The Wake County Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday that ‘respectfully requests’ the NC General Assembly repeal legislation that would eliminate teacher tenure.

Under the model approved last summer, local school districts would award the top 25 percent of their teachers 4-year contracts along with a $500 bonus, as long as they agree to give up their tenure. Lawmakers who support the legislation say it’s intended to reward teachers based on merit.

Leaders of the Wake County school board told reporters they believe the pay plan would create a negative environment that would discourage experienced educators from sharing their best practices.

Board chair Christine Kushner said she’s also troubled the 25% legislation would exclude some very qualified teachers from receiving bonuses.

Vice Chair Tom Benton noted that the controversial law was diverting attention away from the real issue legislators need to address – better compensation for all teachers.

“The sad thing is that with all the focus on the 25%, the career status, the increase for beginning teachers, the taking away of Master’s pay, we are have lost sight of a key and perhaps the most important factor in salaries. And that is that teacher salaries across this state are too low,” explained Benton.

Wake County estimates 62% of its full-time teachers would be eligible to receive four-year contracts and bonuses under the 25% legislation.

To hear an excerpt of their press conference, click below. Click here to read their 3-page resolution. You can watch Tuesday’s school board meeting on WRAL.com.